Infection rates are rising across all four nations of the UK, even with heavy restrictions in place across all areas. The R-rate average for all four nations of the UK is currently somewhere between 1.0 and 1.4, meaning the virus is moving exponentially throughout the population. The Health Secretary and the Prime Minister have begged the public to comply with rules as the virus is now “out of control” according to NHS England chief Sir Simon Stevens.
Mr Hancock said in a press briefing this evening: “The NHS, more than ever before, needs everybody to be doing something right now – and that something is to follow the rules.
“I know there has been speculation about more restrictions, and we don’t rule out taking further action if it is needed, but it is your actions now that can make a difference.
“Stay at home, and please reduce all social contact that is not absolutely strictly necessary. That’s what is needed: act like you have the virus.”
Express.co.uk has a round-up of all the latest infection rates and R rates across the UK nations.
England
England’s R-rate currently sits somewhere between 1.0 and 1.4.
This means that for every 10 people that become infected with coronavirus, they will pass it on to 14 other people.
England’s infection rate currently stands at 629.3 per 100,000 people.
London has the highest infection rate in the country, currently standing at 1007.3 per 100,000 people.
Wales
The R-rate in Wales is estimated to be between 1 and 1.3 – although this has not been updated since just before Christmas.
The infection rate in Wales is now 446.3 cases per 100,000 people.
Wales has had more than 171,000 cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic began.
